Reflecting on Netherlands

Today is a momentous day for Netherlands. With Queen Beatrix retiring today, they have a new monarch King Willem-Alexander. It’s their first king in 120 years (see news coverage).

It’s also Queen’s Day today. So in honour of the Netherlands, here’s one of my favourite specimens from my Dutch collection:

I’m not sure why this Dutch woman is biting her finger. Perhaps she’s looking forward to popping a herring? Or perhaps she’s really puzzled at the two disparate images she’s seeing. Or maybe she’s just practising for the night shift in her window box.

This postcard just seems to capture the unique character of the country that I find so enjoyable.

I sent this postcard during my trip there in 2001. Here’s a brief account of my adventures:

Postcard message:
“Hi. Isn’t this a cheesy postcard? There’s so much cheese here and I don’t mean Edam and Gouda! (Bad pun). We love Amsterdam. The museums are great by day and by night there’s no lack of entertainment. [Censored for adult content]”

Of all the places I’ve been to in the world, Netherlands is among the most unique. Perhaps it’s the combination of their incredible history combined with their liberalism that results in an eclectic combination of high and low culture. Either way, I think it is great that there are places like this in the world!